BELVEDERE Heritage 176 70 cl.

With Belvedere Heritage 176 (2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Finalist - 94 Points), Belvedere’s Master Rye Distillers apply fire to the rye before distillation, to further demonstrate its potential for nuanced taste. Belvedere Heritage 176 is quite simply a taste of vodka’s past. Up until the 19th century, Polish vodka-makers relied on the old technique of ‘malting’, using fire-kilned drying —a tradition which also naturally revealed rich and distinctive flavors. Over time, as the vodka category expanded, and technology evolved, these old traditions sadly faded out, and vodka became more associated with neutrality.

Belvedere challenges neutrality and believes that rye, the heart of our brand, delivers both distinctive taste and character. To demonstrate this further, Belvedere has revived this traditional malting technique which unlocks rich depth, flavor and complexity that would otherwise remain hidden in the rye. Rich, full-bodied and complex, with hints of honey, walnut and allspice, Heritage 176 is best savored over ice with a lemon twist. Discover the taste of vodka’s past.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Belvedere Heritage 176 is presented in the glass with a crystal-clear clarity that highlights its purity, a bright and soft sparkle that invites you to discover what lies within. Its colourless, luminous and clean tone is a perfect representation of the refined distillation and artisanal tradition that characterises this vodka.
NOSE: As the nose approaches the glass, a first layer of aromas invites exploration: the warm and comforting essence of freshly baked rye bread, complemented by a soft, toasted touch of nuts, awakening the memory of a cosy and homely aroma. As you go deeper, subtle notes of fresh cream, honey and a light caramel emerge, accompanied by a delicate spicy undertone, reminiscent of allspice and a hint of sweet biscuit. This set of aromas reveals an intriguing complexity, where each breath reveals a new facet of this premium vodka.

TASTE: Upon tasting, the velvety, silky texture of Belvedere Heritage 176 unfolds on the palate, enveloping the senses with softness and elegance. The first impression is a harmonious blend of lightly toasted rye bread, which merges with rich creaminess and notes of buttery toffee. The presence of Brazil nuts and a subtle hint of warm spices add a sense of depth and complexity. The flavour lengthens with a smooth finish, leaving a pleasant and refined persistence of toffee and sweet spices, perfectly balanced by a light acidity that refreshes and keeps the palate clean. This taste experience is rich, enveloping and completely sophisticated.